News

NPD Group: Deep discounts taking a bite out of holiday dollar sales
Dollar sales for holiday 2016 are trending lower than last year — with some exceptions — and retailers are partially to blame. According to The NPD Group’s weekly point-of-sale results for key general merchandise categories across in-store and online channels, dollar sales in the sixth week of the 2016 holiday shopping season were 5% lower than the same week in 2015. Cumulatively, dollar sales in the first six weeks of the 2016 holiday shopping season were 4% behind the first six weeks of the 2015 holiday season.
BJ’s online ordering gets ‘fresh’
Just in time for holiday entertaining, BJ’s Wholesale Club members can now place deli and bakery orders online. The service, which augments BJ’s e-commerce program, enables members to place orders for deli platters, sandwiches and 3-ft. subs, freshly baked cookies, pastries and customizable cakes and cupcakes. All merchandise is provided by Wellsley Farms, according to the retailer’s website.

Finish Line goes off course in Q3

Finish Line missed analyst estimates for third quarter earnings, an issue the company blames on declines in its apparel and accessories categories. The athletic specialty retailer reported revenue of $371.1 million for the 13 weeks ended Nov. 26, 2016. While this is an increase of 3.0% over the prior year period, it falls short of the consensus estimate of $411.61 million.
The Container Store helps travelers wrap up the holidays

The Container Store and Southwest Airlines are teaming up to surprise harried holiday travelers passing through airports across the nation. Starting Thursday, Dec. 22, the partners are easing holiday stress for travelers by offering complimentary gift wrapping. The service is available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the following 10 airports: • Chicago (Midway) International Airport • Dallas (Love Field) • Denver International Airport
Report: The first retail bankruptcy of 2017 could be…

Limited Stores LLC is planning to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection within weeks, Bloomberg reported, and will most likely liquidate its business.
Retail brands lag behind mobile consumer expectations

The future of retail is mobile. Yet, brands are failing to keep pace with consumer expectations.
Bed Bath & Beyond falls short

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. reported less-than-expected earnings for its third quarter, hurt by continuing higher expenses and flat sales. The retailer’s profit dropped to $126.4 million or $0.85 per share, from $177.8 million or $1.09 per share in the year-ago period. Sales inched up 0.1% to $2.96 billion, also lower than expected.
Retailers and their customers benefit from a robust enterprise network

Holiday shopping is no longer what it used to be. The rise of online shopping and mobile has transformed the way in which consumers purchase gifts. It is no longer black and white for retailers either, as cutting-edge platform and technology adoption is a pre-requisite in order to remain competitive. And all factors are causing new challenges related to managing and supporting back-office and customer-facing systems, as well as meeting evolving customer expectations.
Urban influx, urban infill, and urban migration

Across the United States, cities have been experiencing a development resurgence. Legions of Americans are departing suburbia and returning to urban environments, with millennials leading the migration. Young adults are abandoning the suburban subdivisions they grew up in for denser, more vibrant urban settings. Consequently, once-empty lots, city blocks, and otherwise underutilized properties are being replaced with multi-use buildings that can accommodate new residences, office space, and retail.
Technical problem could prove costly to Amazon

Did Amazon’s website had a technical glitch on one of the biggest shoppings day of the year? According to various reports, Amazon’s site had a glitch on “Super Saturday” that temporarily prevented customers from making purchases.